Kirsty Mann: Corpse theatre review – Terrifying fun
This ‘true’ tale of a haunted house packs plenty of laughs in among the scares
Kirsty Mann thinks she’s bagged a bargain when she finds her dream home for cheap. The roof is leaking, the floor is covered in rotting lino, but Mann is more than up for the challenge. One challenge she wasn’t expecting, though, was having to share said dream home with an angry, senile ghost.
Corpse feels like hearing an anecdote told by a friend over drinks. Mann recounts each step in her spectral story with a self-deprecating smile, fully acknowledging and leaning into the ridiculousness of her apparently true experience. Parts of Mann’s tale must be seen to be believed, but worry not, she’s brought proof. Exhibit A: some truly horrifying paintings of rabid-looking dogs and a creepy cellist painted by the home’s previous owner and resident spirit, June. Exhibit B: a real book, written by June’s father about his daughter, entitled A Child Possessed.
Corpse is certainly vivid, helped by Mann’s colourful characters. She may poke fun at her attempt at an Irish accent, but few can muster up a better creaking old woman voice than she can. Firmly in the realm of comedy to begin with, the show builds to a terrifying crescendo as Mann’s haunting intensifies. Loud bangs from an empty bedroom evolve into screaming corpses and full-blown apparitions. Even the most seasoned sceptic would be hard pressed to avoid a chill going through them in an hour that is as goosebump-inducing as it is hilarious.
Kirsty Mann: Corpse, Summerhall, until 30 August, 3.15pm.